You can either walk in to register or do online pre-registration first. The walk-in method is now the main option, but online pre-registration is still available when the PSA reactivates it.

1. Online Pre-Registration (Optional)

Go to register.philsys.gov.ph, fill in your personal information, and book a slot at your nearest registration center. After booking, you’ll receive an Application Reference Number (ARN) and QR code, which you must present at the center.

Benefits of online pre-registration:

Note: Online pre-registration may be temporarily disabled. If so, use walk-in registration instead.

2. Walk-In Registration

You can visit any PhilSys registration center without an appointment. Just bring your valid documents and be ready to wait your turn.

Steps at NID Registration Center

Step 1: Document Validation

Your documents are checked to make sure they’re complete and valid. If you pre-registered online, your info will be cross-checked.

Step 2: Biometric Capture

Step 3: Review Info

You'll review your personal and biometric data on screen and confirm that everything is accurate.

Step 4: Receive Transaction Reference Number (TRN)

This slip lets you:

Fees

Note: A Certificate of Indigency is an official document issued by the barangay or Municipal/City Social Welfare and Development Office in the Philippines that certifies an individual or family belongs to the indigent or low-income bracket, enabling them to access free government services, legal aid, scholarships, medical assistance, and fee exemptions.

National ID Requirements

Primary Documents (bring original):

Secondary Documents (if no primary docs):

Must have: photo, name, signature/thumbmark, address, and birthdate.

For Minors and Young Children

If you are applying for minor, requirements are bit change.

Age 5-14

Below 5 Years Old

Receiving Your National ID

Once registration is done, your data goes into the PSA system. Production takes weeks to months depending on volume. The card is delivered by PHLPost to the address you gave. Delivery is made during working hours.

How to Track Delivery

Use your TRN on the PHLPost tracking site. You'll see updates like dispatch, local arrival, or delivery attempt. Just click the button below.

What to Present on Delivery

If you’re not home, someone else can receive your ID with an authorization letter and photocopy of your ID. if you already have physical National Id, you can get the Digital National Id.

Special Cases

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)

OFWs can register for the Philippine National ID at designated Philippine embassies or consulates in their host countries. The process is similar to the local one and includes the same biometric steps such as fingerprinting, iris scan, and photo capture. OFWs need to present a valid Philippine passport and, if applicable, any residence documents from the host country. Once processed, their National ID may be delivered to their foreign address or to a designated contact in the Philippines, depending on the options available.

Dual Citizens

Dual citizens who wish to register must provide proof of their Filipino citizenship. This includes documents like a Philippine passport, PSA-issued birth certificate, or Certificate of Reacquisition of Philippine Citizenship. The registration process remains the same, but verifying identity and citizenship status is crucial in these cases. If they are residing abroad, they may also register through the Philippine embassies.

Foreign Residents

Foreign nationals residing in the Philippines for six (6) months or more are eligible to register for the National ID. They must present valid immigration documents such as an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR), Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV), or other long-stay permits. Their National ID will reflect their resident status and can be used for transactions within the country. The ID helps streamline access to local services, including banking, healthcare, and utilities.

Uses and Benefits

With a National ID, you can:

For updates, visit the PhilSys official website or follow PSA’s official channels.

Conclusion

Registering for the Philippine National ID is a vital step toward streamlined public services and secure identity verification. Whether you're a citizen or a long-term resident, the process is straightforward and mostly free. By completing your registration, you gain access to a reliable form of identification that supports both online and in-person transactions nationwide. Stay informed through official PSA channels and take advantage of the convenience the National ID brings.